Dar es Salaam City Council (DCC) authorities recently issued an order to remove all bus touts at bus stops and replace them with security guards from the S-Group. Do you think this is a workable solution?

NO. I think this is not a workable solution because the move has been taken without looking for alternatives for the touts. I believe that not all bus touts are drug abusers or thieves. Some of them even are at a stage where, for instance, they have established SACCOS. A good example is the Jangwani group of touts who are said to have organized themselves and are earning millions weekly. The issue of touts should have been closely examined before such a ruling.
Maximillan Mkoa – Driver.

NO. I am of the opinion that the authorities did not think beyond the problem of touts being a nuisance to passengers. These touts depended on the fee they got from conductors and drivers for their survival; hence deprivation of such a way of earning a living would lead them to resort to being criminals. It is clear that there is a close relationship between the increase in the number of touts and the decrease in criminal offences. Let the authorities do a study to establish the advantages and disadvantages of having touts.
Abdul Abdul Omar – Mechanic.

YES. I support the decision to remove the touts because most of them were causing trouble at bus stops. I believe that most Tanzanians have enough knowledge to find their way to their destinations. The Ubungo Bus Terminal and daladala bus stops for example, had become hideouts for these touts who during the night turned against passengers and stole from them. What is needed now is their total removal and I believe that the peace- keepers can handle the touts.
Marin Joseph – Housewife.

NO. I think the government in most cases contradicts itself in a number of aspects including this one of touts. There is rampant unemployment and the government has urged Tanzanians to employ themselves. The touts found out that instead of stealing from people they could help bus workers and earn something for their needs. So chasing them away so abruptly would make them lose their income and they can resort to being thieves. Let the authorities think twice, it is the innocent people who will suffer.
Malik Shaheji – WAO.

Compiled by Timothy Kitundu.